Prabowo: Indonesia-EU Europe Is An Example Of Cooperation In The Middle Of Global Turbulence

President Prabowo Subianto (left) was greeted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) when the two met at the headquarters of the European Commission, Berlaymont Building, Brussels, Belgium, Sunday (13/7/2025). BETWEEN/HO-Presidential Media Team Prabowo Subianto.

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union (EU) is a good example for the world, especially in the midst of a global situation full of uncertainty and tension.

This was conveyed in an official meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the headquarters of the European Commission, Brussels, Belgium, Sunday, July 13.

In a joint press conference, President Prabowo announced that the two parties had completed negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) after a negotiation process that lasted for more than a decade.

CEPA is expected to be a solid foundation in strengthening economic and trade relations between Indonesia and European Union countries.

"In the midst of an unstable and confused time, I think we set the right example," said President Prabowo as quoted by Antara.

He also emphasized the importance of Europe's role in supporting Indonesia's economic development and expressed the desire for Europe's involvement in the region to be further improved.

"We see Europe still leading in many aspects of life, and we want to see a stronger Europe," he said publicly.

Meanwhile, President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her appreciation for President Prabowo's leadership and emphasized that Indonesia and the European Union have chosen a way of openness and cooperation, not isolation and division.

"The message we sent today is strong and clear. Some choose the path of isolation and division during difficult times. Europe and Indonesia choose different roads," said von der Leyen.

He also welcomed Prabowo's visit and emphasized that Indonesia was always accepted in Europe.

In addition to meeting with the President of the European Commission, Prabowo is also scheduled to meet the President of the European Council Ant Totalio Costa and Belgian King Philippe Léopold Louis Marie. In this official visit, Prabowo was accompanied by a number of high-ranking officials, including Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Minister of Investment/Hilirization Rosan Roeslani, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium Andri Hadi.

This meeting marks an important step for Indonesia to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with the European Union, amid efforts to build stability and joint growth in the international arena.